cohenl

Those who say that this movie is about the Jewish rules and community are right. However it is not the whole story. It is also an invitation to travel toward yourself, to find your true nature. It could have been set in any community and give the same powerful message: when something is seriously wrong in your life, look at yourself and find your destiny.

Yakin did an excellent job at directing very good actors. You will be captured by the intensity of Renee Zellweger's performance and by how she conveys this feeling of sickness, this feeling that she is not made for the life she has been forced into.

The movie does not give a very nice role to the Hassidic community, suggesting a lack of tolerance and comprehension, a community prompt to reject the poor soul who does not comply absolutely to the rules. However, this is compensated in my opinion by several scenes showing how much wisdom and lucidity these people can demonstrate. After all, we are all human beings with our qualities and weaknesses and that is why the message strikes so hard: whatever you've been taught, seek the truth in yourself.

Although this movie captures the essence of the book and illustrates a very important message, it does not really bring more than the book. However for those who did not read the book (hello... someone?), it may be an incentive to do so and to discover a new way to look at the world and at oneself.

In spite of a good realization, the film does not stir your soul or even draw a little tear. It is a mind-boggling story and as with the book, many people will follow the hero and find out they can easily identify with him. Unfortunately, the movie targets your mind when it should target your heart. You look at this incredible story with a detached mind and at the end, you may be tempted to say "so what" ?

People interested in the whole "Celestine philosophy" should see it but I recommend renting the DVD.